Breastfeeding: if i stop suddenly will i get mastitis?

Question

My daughter is 14 months almost and i have been breastfeeding since birth. However now I want to think about stopping and replacing with formula.

I recall reading some time ago (when i was new to breastfeeding) that i had to gradually stop breastfeeding or the milk flow would build up and could block my ducts and thus lead to discomfort and, at worst, mastitis.

My question is, does that only apply during the first few months of breastfeedling (like during "let-down"), or can i just stop when i feel like it, now than i have been breastfeeding for a long time?

Answer 1

By now she shouldn't be feeding that often therefore your supply won't be high and you shouldn't have a problem. You shouldn't put your daughter on formula at this point though, she needs to go straight to whole milk at the age of one if not breastfeeding. By the age of one they receive more of their nutrients from food than drink so formula is unnecessary. I stopped breastfeeding both my kids at the age of one and had no problems (no leaking, or discomfort).

Answer 2

It's in your own best interest to do it gradually. It can be very painful to just stop all together and yes, you may get mastitis from blocked ducts.

It's pretty easy to do it over a week. Since your daughter is over a year old, you don't need to give her formula. You can go straight to cow's milk if you wish. Just drop a breast feed each day and replace it with a bottle feed. But it's better if you do this over time. Like, replace the morning feed with a bottle and do that for 3 days straight. Then replace the lunch one and do the same. Continue in that pattern until all breastfeeding has been replaced.

You still may become engorged and it can be quite painful. Cold cabbage leaves (I kid you not!) are WONDERFUL for this. Also, just gently massaging the breast helps to keep ducts open.
The worst thing you can do, is to use a pump or hand express to relieve engorgement. Because your body will replace what it expells.

Good luck!

Answer 3

The problem of Mastitis is caused by invading germs. Typically, those germs pass from your baby's mouth, nose, and throat into a milk duct through cracks or fissures in the nipples. (Non-nursing moms may get mastitis when their breasts become engorged.) Other contributors include not completely emptying breasts of milk and lowered resistance to illness. Most new mothers are tired, stressed, and probably not eating all that well — factors that can affect nursers and non-nursers alike. First-time moms who haven't mastered a good latch-on technique and are suffering from cracked nipples are more likely to contract mastitis, although experienced nursing mothers aren't immune.

Mastitis can occur at any time while you're breastfeeding, but it's most common between the tenth and 28th days after you have your baby.

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/251.html

Answer 4

If you can slowly drop feeds so your milk production gets used to it. Otherwise you will have really sore boobs and probably get mastitis although you may not.
I just stopped feeding my youngest as she was 2 and half and I leaked like I did when she was born, my breasts swelled up with all the milk and although it looked nice they were rock solid and very very painful. I couldnt even touch them as it was too painful. I had to spend days in a hot shower just expressing to get a little bit of relief. I cant remember if I got mastitis or not.
So I really do suggest you try dropping a feed so that you dont go through any pain ( it really really hurts) and your daughter gets used to it.

Good Luck. And if you decide to just stop then express or pump so the milk doesnt build up.

Answer 5

At your daughter's age, I don't think it's a matter of your milk supply and the risk of mastitis. Your daughter is probably getting the majority of her nourishment from table food. What I would consider though is the psychological aspect of it. I don't think that cold turkey weaning is the way to go. If you want to stop nursing, begin by eliminating one nursing session at a time. It will take a little longer, but it is well worth it.

Also, your daughter will not need formula at 14 months. She can have whole milk.

Answer 6

I stopped breastfeeding after just 2 months without any problems but everyone is different. You will find some good info about mastitis at babycenter.com. Just type mastitis in the search field. You should be able to find answers to your questions there.

Answer 7

I would say that it generally applies to those first early months when ALL the babies calories are coming from breast milk...at thiss point, you are proabably only nursing a few times a day...so it really shouldnt be a huge problem...but you can still ease out gracefully for the sake of your child...if she is really reliant on nursing just try cutting out one feed a day this week one more next week etc...etc... until you are down to one feed a day and then you wont even feel it! If you do go 'cold turkey' - at 14 mos. your daughter is old enough that you dont need formula - you canm go to dairy milk...soy milk whatever you decide....and keep some frozen peas on hand if you feel engorged and also wear a tight fitting bra....even at night. (not TOO tight)

Answer 8

It is definitely less physically painful & less emotionally painful for your child if you cut a feeding or two out at a time over a period of days. you can just go "cold turkey", but I do not recommend that at all. Mastitis can happen at any time during a woman's life. And at 14 mos....unless your peditrician has said otherwise, there is no need for formula-the baby can drink whole milk, soy, rice or goats milk.

Answer 9

Mastitis is caused by an infection, generally caused by a bacteria that enters from the baby's mouth through the nipple. This causes the pain and blockage associated with mastitis....it's not caused by becoming engorged.

Answer 10

You have to stop gradually or you will become engorged and get mastitis. I don't think that you need to feed your 14 month old formula, I believe you can put her right on milk, but ask your pediatrician